Butte Environmental Council Newsletter, March 2020
BEC's mission is to protect and defend the land, air and water of Butte County and the surrounding region through action, advocacy and education. Our monthly newsletter is designed to keep our community informed about local issues that impact our region's environmental quality and bring you opportunities to become involved.
This Month Has Been a Hard One.. But There's Good News!
For local non-profits, the impacts of COVID-19 on events and normal operations are difficult to navigate. Here are some ways you can help support us through this tough time.
You can become a Sustaining Member of BEC by donating anywhere from $3 to $30 a month! It may not seem like a lot, but we truly rely on people just like you to keep up the dynamic work we do for our region's environmental health and education. From removing literal tons of waste from Chico’s creeks, to educating classrooms about endangered species or recycling and composting, to hosting public forums mobilizing citizens on current issues.. BEC is unmatched in long-term positive impact on behalf of our environment. Help us make it 40 more and click the button "Sustaining Member".
A HUGE heron thank you to our friends and partners at Klean Kanteen . They truly stand behind vital local causes and we are so grateful for their ongoing support!
For the month of March, our community has been "Rounding Up" to BEC at Chico Naturals Foods Co-op . As you plan to stock up on essentials for this time at home, remember you can still round up to the nearest dollar every time you check out until the end of March. Thank you to our friends at the Co-op, we appreciate you so much!
Spread the word! Community support works best when the community does the sharing. We ask you to be a champion for BEC today. Share this newsletter with a friend and invite them to become a Sustaining Member or an Angel.
Even though some things are changing with our annual events, we are still working hard to provide the education they offer, now online! Every year, as a part of the Endangered Species Faire, dozens of classrooms in Butte County are taught the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitat through interactive puppet making. You can now access these lessons and the puppet making handbook, right from home. Click the button to access the activities.
It's Gardening Time at the Oak Way Community Garden
There is only ONE plot left for lease!
BEC manages the Oak Way Community Garden, located at 8th Ave & Highway 32 and we only have one plot left for lease in the spring gardening season . Please call the BEC Office (530) 891-6424 if you are interested. A big thank you to all of our current gardeners! Here are some March gardening tips: 1) It's time to plant lettuce and spinach. 2) If you plan to plant tomatoes this year you'll need to start them in your window at home until the night frost clears.
Urban Forest Tree Planting
Help us deliver trees to Chico residents!
BEC is partnering with the City of Chico's Urban Forest Manager on a three year urban forest planting campaign to increase the number of street trees by over 700. We need your help. On April 25th and 26th we will deliver over 50 trees to local residents who will plant them on their property. We want you to help us deliver them! Click "Help Us Deliver Trees" to volunteer. Let's end Earth Month with a bang and ensure we stay on track to decrease carbon emissions and protect Chico's longevity.
Recycling & Compost Education Now Online!
Before schools were closed due to COVID-19, the RARE program reached 70 classrooms with interactive waste reduction and composting education. Now, you can access these lessons and activities ONLINE. We are working hard to continue providing this needed education and adapt to recent challenges to support you at home. Click the "RARE Online" button to access downloadable lessons and activities to keep your kiddos busy and engaged.
Is Staying Home Enough?
Article by Neil Bajaj, Local High School Student & BEC Member
As we all already know, a worldwide pandemic was announced by WHO (World Health Organization) on March 12th and within a week the Bay Area was in lock-down, followed shortly by the entire State of California. Things are moving fast. Coronavirus disease 20191(COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. According to Butte County Public Health Department2, The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, however it is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then by touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.  
Many ask a simple question, what should I do to stay healthy and keep those around me healthy as well? The best way to stay healthy is self-isolation. Butte County office of Public Health also recommends you cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and wash your hands regularly. You should also avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing... CLICK HERE for full article by Neil.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We wish you safety from all of us here at BEC!
General Manager
Butte Environmental Council